- K
- S
- A
For at least 17 years, an invisible enemy has been attacking me. Now I need help so that enemy can be defeated.
Multiple Sclerosis causes my immune system to attack my nervous system, resulting in many awful sensations and disabilities. I've fought hard and had some success, but my M.S. has worsened and won't stop until it is neutralized. One decisive strategy will defeat my defective immune system: aggressively kill it, then reboot and rebuild it.
Simply stated, we now can use chemotherapy and adult stem cell transplantation to halt the progression of this disease, build a new immune system free of M.S., and improve quality of life.
This is a life changing opportunity, and the need has never been greater.
My deep desire is to serve family, friends, and neighbors with all of the vigor that the Almighty has given. The intensity of my condition has greatly limited my ability to serve now, and that is why I want to act soon. I cannot take this step alone, so I am asking those who can to consider joining my fight for a fruitful future.
Q) What is the procedure?
A) It is called Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). It is a procedure most often performed for patients with certain cancers of the blood or bone marrow, such as multiple myeloma or leukemia. HSCT can be understood in six stages: 
Q) When and where will it be performed?
A) Tentatively scheduled for August 19th, at Clinica Ruiz in Puebla, Mexico where Dr. Ruiz has performed over 700 successful HSCT procedures.
https://www.hsctmexico.com/team.html
Q) Why aren't you having this procedure done in the United States?
A) HSCT for M.S. is currently in late stage trials at two University hospitals, but is not yet FDA approved -- which is why insurance will not cover the expense. I feel I can no longer wait, even though HSCT will eventually be a front line treatment for M.S. in America.
Several nations with modern medical standards have already approved it for their domestic M.S. patients (like Canada, England, Russia, Mexico, and Poland) and many more western and Asian countries are performing trials -- or paying for their patients to go where it can be done.
Q) How long will it take for the HSCT procedure to complete?
A) Approximately 28 days in clinic, barring any complications. Clinica Ruiz describes their well-established method in 9 steps: 
Follow up care can take up to two years, but published information suggests that the immune system can rebuild itself within 3 to 6 months.
Q) What is the rate of success?
A) Very high. For persons with my stage of M.S., it appears that about 95% have event-free results. One consistent sentiment I have heard time and again from others who've had the procedure is, "My only regret is not doing it sooner." 
Q) What is the cost of the procedure?
A) $54,500.00 USD, which must be paid in full by June 19th (two months in advance) to secure my August 19th reservation in Puebla.
**Good news! Two generous donors have together pledged to match every donation, for up to half of our goal.
Q) If you are fully funded, how will the donations be spent?
A) Nearly 85% will pay for the procedure itself. Anticipated prescriptions, electronic transfer fees, travel expenses (for both myself and Jennifer), and extended follow up care will consume the remainder.
I'm humbled to ask for help. With a clear path to victory over Multiple Sclerosis in sight, I embrace this challenge with great hope. Thank you for reading and considering joining my fight.
Multiple Sclerosis causes my immune system to attack my nervous system, resulting in many awful sensations and disabilities. I've fought hard and had some success, but my M.S. has worsened and won't stop until it is neutralized. One decisive strategy will defeat my defective immune system: aggressively kill it, then reboot and rebuild it.
Simply stated, we now can use chemotherapy and adult stem cell transplantation to halt the progression of this disease, build a new immune system free of M.S., and improve quality of life.
This is a life changing opportunity, and the need has never been greater.
My deep desire is to serve family, friends, and neighbors with all of the vigor that the Almighty has given. The intensity of my condition has greatly limited my ability to serve now, and that is why I want to act soon. I cannot take this step alone, so I am asking those who can to consider joining my fight for a fruitful future.
Q) What is the procedure?
A) It is called Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). It is a procedure most often performed for patients with certain cancers of the blood or bone marrow, such as multiple myeloma or leukemia. HSCT can be understood in six stages: 
Q) When and where will it be performed?
A) Tentatively scheduled for August 19th, at Clinica Ruiz in Puebla, Mexico where Dr. Ruiz has performed over 700 successful HSCT procedures.
https://www.hsctmexico.com/team.html
Q) Why aren't you having this procedure done in the United States?
A) HSCT for M.S. is currently in late stage trials at two University hospitals, but is not yet FDA approved -- which is why insurance will not cover the expense. I feel I can no longer wait, even though HSCT will eventually be a front line treatment for M.S. in America.
Several nations with modern medical standards have already approved it for their domestic M.S. patients (like Canada, England, Russia, Mexico, and Poland) and many more western and Asian countries are performing trials -- or paying for their patients to go where it can be done.
Q) How long will it take for the HSCT procedure to complete?
A) Approximately 28 days in clinic, barring any complications. Clinica Ruiz describes their well-established method in 9 steps: 
Follow up care can take up to two years, but published information suggests that the immune system can rebuild itself within 3 to 6 months.
Q) What is the rate of success?
A) Very high. For persons with my stage of M.S., it appears that about 95% have event-free results. One consistent sentiment I have heard time and again from others who've had the procedure is, "My only regret is not doing it sooner." 
Q) What is the cost of the procedure?
A) $54,500.00 USD, which must be paid in full by June 19th (two months in advance) to secure my August 19th reservation in Puebla.
**Good news! Two generous donors have together pledged to match every donation, for up to half of our goal.
Q) If you are fully funded, how will the donations be spent?
A) Nearly 85% will pay for the procedure itself. Anticipated prescriptions, electronic transfer fees, travel expenses (for both myself and Jennifer), and extended follow up care will consume the remainder.
I'm humbled to ask for help. With a clear path to victory over Multiple Sclerosis in sight, I embrace this challenge with great hope. Thank you for reading and considering joining my fight.